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Data for research can be requested in either a summarised format or as unit record (individually identifiable)

Summarised cancer data

Summarised or aggregate data are grouped data that does not allow for the identification of individuals. This type of information is commonly presented in a summary table or graph format, with data being grouped by non-identifiable data items such as sex, age group, cancer site and year of diagnosis. For example, 5-year age groups for First Nations women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Queensland.

Summarised cancer data is available in the Cancer Data Explorer or CAQ reports and publications

Unit record data (individually identifiable)

Unit record data is the most detailed level of data available. Each row contains details about a single person or case of cancer, allowing for detailed analyses to be carried out.

Unit record data may be:

• Identifiable: containing personal identifiers such as name, address or date of birth. This information is primarily used for linkage and recruitment data requests.
• Potentially identifiable (de-identified or re-identifiable): does not contain identifiers but may include data items that either singly or when used in combination could identify an individual; or could be re-identified by a unique data item such as person identifier or hospital unit record number (URN).

Requests for unit record data for research may require approval from the Director General of Health. Approvals are also subject to review of Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) documentation (applications and approvals) and a research protocol.                

How to request data for research?

• Do you require customised summary data that cannot be obtained from the Cancer Data Explorer?
• Do you require data linkage or patient recruitment services?
• Do you require research ready data?
• Are you planning a project and would like to discuss data availability, HREC requirements or obtain a letter of support to accompany ethics applications?

Please submit all data requests using our Data Request Form and email it to cancerdataqld@health.qld.gov.au. Reviews occur fortnightly on Wednesdays, and you’ll be notified of the outcome by a CAQ staff member. Incomplete submissions may cause delays.

Please email us cancerdataqld@health.qld.gov.au if you require further information before submitting a data request.

Useful links

Further information to request access to data for research